Low impact exercising method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for use in performing a variety of physical exercises includes a low impact cushioned, resilient surface in association with a fixed structure, positioned adjacent thereto. A resistive element having a first end and a second end is coupled to the fixed structure by its first end. A harness is coupled to the second end of the resistive element. The harness provides a structure for restraining the user in a preselected position atop the resilient surface and for applying selective resistive forces to the user during an exercising session performed on the resilient surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/391,368 filed on Jun. 25, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Field of the Invention: The present invention relates generally to exercise in a low impact environment and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for improving strength, balance and cardiovascular endurance using a low impact surface such as, for example, a trampoline or foam pads.

[0003] State of the Art: Low impact exercising devices including devices employing a low impact surface such as, for example, a trampoline or foam pads, have been used to improve strength, balance and cardiovascular condition of individuals during recovery from various types of injuries including lower extremity injuries. Such low impact exercises have conventionally been conducted in a single plane, for example, by running or jumping up and down on the low impact surface. While running or jumping up and down on a low impact surface provides adequate entry level exercise, the ability to effectively increase the intensity and variety of the workout has been lacking.

[0004] Often, users of such low impact exercising equipment will rapidly accommodate the low level of intensity offered by such equipment and then simply discontinue the exercise. By discontinuing the exercise, and without additional rehabilitation or preparation following an injury to the lower extremity, individuals attempting to, for example, run up or down a hill, traverse a hill or traverse an uneven playing surface will find these seemingly normal activities difficult at the least, and may actually re-injure themselves in attempting to do such activities.

[0005] It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide an apparatus and method for exercising in a low impact environment at an increased level of intensity. It would further be advantageous to provide an apparatus and method for exercising in a low impact environment which allowed movement and provided resistance in a variety of planes. For example, it would advantageous to assimilate a variety of planes with an infinitely variable intensity by coupling one or more resistive elements to the user during exercise on a low impact surface. Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a method of, and an apparatus for, exercising in a low impact environment which is relatively inexpensive and simple to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exercising device is provided. The exercising device includes a low impact cushioned, resilient surface for an individual to stand on and run, walk, jump or otherwise exercise. A fixed structure is located adjacent the low impact surface with the first end of a resistive element being coupled thereto. A harness is coupled with a second end of the resistive element such that an individual wearing the harness becomes subjected to a resistive force as they move away from the fixed structure.

[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for low impact exercising. The method includes providing a low impact cushioned, resilient surface and a fixed structure at a location adjacent the low impact surface. The method further includes coupling a resistive element between the fixed structure and an individual such that a resistive force is exerted upon the individual in the general direction of the fixed structure while the individual walks, runs, jumps or otherwise exercises on the low impact surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual on an exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a partial elevational, sectional view of the fixed structure of the exercise device;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a partial sectional side view of the fixed structure of the exercise device illustrating a first attachment of the resistive element; and

[0014]FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the fixed structure of the exercise device illustrating an alternative attachment of the resistive element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, an exercise device 100 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device 100 includes a low impact exercising surface 110 shown in the form of a trampoline. The trampoline includes a frame 109 having a plurality of upstanding legs 111 attached on its lower surface. The frame 109 is connected to a exercise surface 110 by means of a plurality of elastic connection members 115 which may be metal springs. The panel surface 110 may be fabricated from an elastic fabric material. However, the low impact exercise surface 110 may include other structures besides the trampoline. For example, the low impact surface 110 may include a pad of foam or foam rubber-type material which provides a desired level of pliancy and elasticity. The low impact surface 110 desirably provides a cushioned, impact-absorbent and resilient surface for an individual to run, jump or perform other similar activities on.

[0016] In use, an individual stands on the low impact surface 110 and attaches a harness 112 such as a waist belt. A resistive element 114, such as an elastic or bungee-type cord, is coupled between the harness 112 and a fixed structure located adjacent the low impact surface 110. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, a column 116 or similar member may be structurally fixed to the frame 118 of the trampoline (which, in the exemplary embodiment, acts as the low impact surface 110) providing a point of attachment for the resistive element 114. However, it is noted that the column 116 might be replaced by some other structure such as, for example, an existing wall having one or more coupling locations for secure attachment of the resistive element 114.

[0017] The resistive element 114 maybe attached to any of a number of locations 120A-120D on the column 116 thereby enabling a user to simulate different exercises. For example, by coupling the resistive element 114 to the lowermost location 1 20A, a user may simulate the climbing of a hill while, on the other hand, by coupling the resistive element 114 to the uppermost location 120D a user may simulate the act of descending a hill. The use of a resistive element 114 in conjunction with a low impact surface 110 increases the intensity of a user's workout and provides resistance multiple planes rather than just an up-and-down motion as with prior art devices.

[0018] It is noted that more than one resistive element 114 may be used to increase intensity of the workout as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Also, if more than one resistive element 114 is used, the resistive elements 114 may be attached to the same or to different locations 120A-120D of the column 116 or fixed structure. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, one resistive element 114B might be attached to the lowermost location 120B while a second resistive element 114A might be attached to an elevationally higher location 120A.

[0019] Furthermore, additional attachment locations may be provided which are horizontally displaced from those shown in the exemplary embodiment. For example, a second and/or third column might be attached to the frame 118 of the trampoline (e.g., in the corners 122A and 122B) to provide alternative or additional attachment locations for the resistive element(s) 114. Alternatively, a cross member 116A as shown in FIG. 5 may be used to provide additional attachment locations. The ability to use multiple, strategically arranged resistive elements 114 may be beneficial in targeting a particular muscle or muscle group during a rehabilitation process.

[0020] The resistive element 114 may be attached to the harness 112 using any of conventional means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the resistive element 114 may be coupled to a ring or other fastening member 124 on the harness 112 using a snapping fastener 126, a carabiner or the like. The opposing end of the resistive element 114 may be attached to the column 116 in a similar manner.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, if so desired or needed, additional weight can be added to the exercise device 110 in a weight compartment 16 formed within, or otherwise coupled to the frame 118 of the trampoline. The additionally weight acts as a stabilizer by helping to counteract the force applied to the frame 118 via the column 116 and attached resistive element 114.

[0022] While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercising device comprising: a low impact cushioned, resilient surface; a fixed structure adjacent the low impact cushioned, resilient surface; a resistive element having a first end coupled to the fixed structure; and a harness coupled to a second end of the resistive element.
 2. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein said resilient surface comprises: a frame; a panel surface disposed within said frame; and a connection structure interposed between said elastic surface and said frame which interconnects said frame to said elastic surface.
 3. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein said connection structure comprises at least one elastic member.
 4. The exercising device of claim 3 wherein said elastic member is connected to said frame on a first end thereof and is further connected to said panel surface on a second end thereof.
 5. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein said panel surface is fabricated from a material having elastic characteristics.
 6. The exercising device of claim 2 wherein said frame is interconnected to said fixed structure.
 7. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein said resistive element is an elastic member.
 8. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein said resilient surface is interconnected to said fixed structure.
 9. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein said resistive element is coupled to said fixed structure at a location which is elevationally above said resilient surface.
 10. The exercising device of claim 1 wherein said fixed structure is fitted with a plurality of connection elements adapted to secure said resistive element to said fixed structure.
 11. The exercising device of claim 10 wherein said plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a height of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said height of said fixed structure.
 12. The exercising device of claim 10 wherein said plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a width of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said width of said fixed structure.
 13. The exercising device of claim 10 wherein a first plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a width of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said width of said fixed structure and a second plurality of connection elements are disposed spacedly from one another over a height of said fixed structure to provide a variety of connection locations along said height of said fixed structure.
 14. The exercising device of claim 10 wherein said resistive element includes a plurality of resistive members.
 15. The exercising device of claim 14 wherein each said resistive member is connected to said fixed structure at a respective connection location.
 16. The exercising device of claim 14 wherein at least two said resistive members share a common connection location.
 17. The exercising device of claim 14 wherein at least one said resistive member is connected to said fixed structure at a location which is elevationally lower than a second resistive member connected to said fixed structure.
 19. The exercising device of claim 14 wherein at least two said resistive members are connected to said fixed structure at substantially the same elevation. 